Prevention is about peace of mind – the kind that comes from knowing that you are proactively monitoring the health and wellness of the pets you love. Banfield would love to partner with you in the ongoing care of your pet.

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The Benefits of Adopting A Dog or Cat From A Shelter

You’ve decided it’s time to add a pet to your home. Now it’s just a matter of deciding what kind of pet and where you’ll get the furry family member. There are a lot of options, from breeders to “no kill” shelters. You could also adopt a dog or cat in a pound or shelter, in danger of being euthanized.

More than 4-million dogs and cats that could be adopted into a good home are put to sleep every year. At the same time, 22-million people take in new pets, and most of those aren’t coming from adoption centers and shelters. There are several benefits to adopting a pet, rather than spending top-dollar elsewhere.

Finding the Pet You’re Looking For

Purebred in the shelter. If you think you need to visit a breeder to find a full-bred dog, think again. In fact, 25% to 30% of dogs in animal shelters are purebred. All the others are, of course, lovable and looking for a new family, all their own.

Special breed rescue organizations. If your heart is set on a breed, that doesn’t mean you need to visit a breeder. You can find different rescue organizations that specialize in most any breed, making sure you get exactly what you want, while still saving a life.

Adoption counseling. If you need a little help finding the perfect pet for you, many animal welfare agencies offer adoption counseling. They help to match you with the best pet possible, making adoption even easier.

Benefits of a Mixed-Breed Pet

Many different breeds come with unique health issues that may present over time. However, mixed-breed dogs typically don’t run into as many medical problems. In general, mixed breed dogs have:

Less in-breeding

Less inherited genetic disease

Lower vet bills

Why Pets End Up in Shelters

Many people shopping for pets have a misconception that if they adopt a pet from a shelter or pound, they’re getting a broken dog or cat. Many think, “This pet must have been bad at some point, that’s why he or she is here.” Not true.

Most shelter pets are victims of bad situations. Often, a family will drop a pet off because they can’t afford to care for the dog or cat. Other times, an owner might die and their family won’t keep the pet. Unfortunately, these dogs and cats just fell into unlucky situations and deserve a second change in a new home.

Learn More

If you’re looking for shelters or adoption agencies to help you find your newest pet, take a look at Petsmart’s in store adoptions. Many locations will host regular adoption events, helping pair people with their new best friend.

If you’ve adopted a new pet, make sure you start by getting them the vaccinations and care they need. Contact your local Banfield Pet Hospital to speak with a pet health expert and schedule an appointment with a veterinarian.

You may also want to consider a Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan. Each plan is designed around your pet’s specific needs, but every plan does come with routinely recommended vaccines and early screening for serious illness.

Learn more about your pet’s health by reading further in the Preventive Care section of our website, or by reading these recommended articles.